Vienna: Successful breeding of a desert chameleon

While the young animals and their mothers are still being cared for behind the scenes, one of the fathers can already be admired in the new facility in Namibia.

“We are incredibly proud!”
The hatching of the first young animals is the result of years of research, perfect climatic conditions and intensive care by the team of experts at the House of the Sea. “We are incredibly proud of this success,” says Robert Riener, curator of reptiles and amphibians. “This offspring is a milestone in the history of our zoo and an important step in the conservation of this fascinating species.”

Desert chameleon lives on the ground
Chamaeleo namaquensis, the desert chameleon, is a unique representative of its genus, native to the arid desert landscapes of Namibia and South Africa. Unlike many of its relatives, which are primarily arboreal, the desert chameleon is adapted to life on the ground in its treeless home.

In the cool morning hours it is almost completely black to quickly reach “operating temperature”, but as the temperature rises it becomes almost blinding white to prevent overheating.

Reptile prone to cannibalism
The reptile has an unusual hunting strategy: instead of lying in wait for prey like other chameleons, it actively hunts in its treeless habitat. It feeds mainly on insects such as ground beetles, but also on other reptiles and occasionally on conspecifics.

It provides for its moisture needs through food and a technique common in the desert: it collects moisture from the night mist that settles on its body and conducts it through capillary channels to its mouth.